M14x Question [a few actually]

Hi guys.

So I have this VERY OLD MacBook 5.1 Unibody (2GHz Core2Duo).

The problem is that it's REALLY LAGGY when playing games. Even small FPS games (50mb file size) makes this computer lag, and almost crash every single app in the background.

Here are the specs.

Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn 2.0GHz P7350. 3MB L2 Cache.
8GB 1067MHz DDR3.
64GB Intel X-25M with OWC data doubler
160GB Apple 5400RPM. 25-40MB/s read/write
nVidia GeForce 9400M w/256MB shared memory
Perfect condition DVD superdrive
Mac OS 10.6.7

I'd figured the laptop will sell 820$ (bought for 1100 X_X) and throw in some more money from my DIY PC budget.

I'm keeping the SSD and replacing the RAM with the original 2GB of course


I'm planning to get a M14x

The one with the 3GB GPU. With custom name-plate and alienware TactX mouse.

I know 3GB is overkill but they give free 6GB 1600MHz. I'd figured for the "base" M14x with processor opt (the 2GHz core i7 one) and 6GB it would cost the same as the 3GB GPU model.


Few of my questions

-Is the GPU and CPU good?
-How overclock safe is the GPU. I would like to overclock to the maximum safe limit (can anybody have a link to a guide plz?)
-Which is better. Red body or black body paint?
-How good is it at Crysis 2?
-I would like to install Hackintosh, is this system compatible?


Thank you, any help will be appreciated



ps: i know for the 1st post i'm kind of noobish, sorry

 

1. The CPU is excellent. The GPU is pretty good, enough to handle most games at high settings at 1600x900 resolution, but not powerful enough to max out newer games though.

2. The GPU is very safe and easy to overclock. I never overclocked anything before getting the m14x, but now I overclock my GPU from 590 to 740 using MSI afterburner software that a monkey can learn.

3. This is personal preference, but I think the black is better. It looks better imo and it might be less flashy/more professional.

4. From what I know, it can play Crysis at high settings at over 30 fps.

5. no idea.

also, I would recommend you save yourself $100 and get the 1.5gb GPU.

 

the low end 1.5GB with standard screen M14x's spec is not very good

 

Works fine for me, I havent tested Crysis yet, but I can report that it plays Fallout New Vegas with Ojo Bueno Texture pack and high res skies on Ultra with no issues.

It will (from what I've seen on the forums and the specs) play most new games on at least medium. However people with 900p screens (which I don't) will have lower framerates than the base config, but still not anything unplayable.

Also, there is really not enough of a performance issue to get the 3gb GT 555m. The 1.5gb will more than suffice most, unless you are running high video editing software it shouldn't be an issue.

As far as color, it really is a preference. I liked the black; some won't.

 

3Gb VRAM is useless. Search, there is a lot of thread about 1.5 vs 3Gb.
EDIT: Yeah and definitely black.

 

- GPU and CPU are all very very good even at the lowest configurations. The i7-2630QM is a very powerful quad core + hyperthreading (8 threads) CPU with 6 MB of L3 cache spanning 2-2.9 GHz, so you'll get a pretty smooth experience. I myself play a lot of games (Dirt 3, Crysis 2, etc.) and it runs everything on almost max settings very smoothly.

- No clue

- Black definitely.

- Like I said, almost max settings very well 1600x900

- I would think so, but I can't be sure.

Check my signature for a video review of my M14x.

 

the low end 1.5GB custom with 2GHz core i7, 6GB 1600MHz and bluetooth cost the same as the 3GB with added BT 3.0?

because you get free GPU upgrade, lolz

hmmm maybe black

um yeah, i'll be buying the black one

will do thanks



btw, have anybody reviewed the alienware TactX mouse?


EDIT: some more question

-Does the M14x have a power saving second GPU like intel 3000?
-Does USB 3.0 come standard?

 

Yes it has optimus , so when not in 3d it uses intel HD graphics.
USB 3 supposedly but my main pc does not yet have USB 3 so not invested in anything to test it with.

As far as the tactx mouse goes, I purchased one for my m14x. Online reviews do give it a good rating but my sum up is as follows.

Solid and well built plus matches the m14x well.
Expensive to buy direct from dell ( half price for a new one on ebay )
AlienFx can be coordinated with laptop and integrated into command centre.
Rather heavy and no weight adjustment ( Still getting used to it vs my old mx518 )

Very sensitive / accurate with easy to change on the fly buttons.
Long ( very long braided cable )

Soft touch coating...............very good match

Overall, I think its a great little mouse, you dont notice the weight as the teflon glides make it effortless to throw around the desk.

I liked it that much I purchased a second one for my desktop, mind you I also got the tactx keyboard as couldnt read the keys on my old one.....................just invested in a 3d setup and couldnt read the key when I had my glasses on.

The keyboards a different matter entirely.

 

ok.

btw does anybody have a video on how to reapply thermal paste to this computer?

i just don't trust ppl in china putting thermal paste for me, even alienware


btw, how do you make alienfx "dance" to music from itunes?

 

Reapplying thermal paste for this computer is very hard since you have to take apart the entire laptop and remove the mobo to get to the processors.

 

i've done it a lot of times

but i have no experience handling alienware laptops


btw, how long will this laptop last before it gets really slow and outdated?

 

Outdated? Less than a year.

Slow? Subjective. If the moment a new game comes out that it can't max out it's slow, not that long. If you're happy with medium settings on games? A long time.

 

ok thanks

 

btw is arctic silver 5 good for the thermal paste?

and some keyboard protector for this expensive computer

 

1. The GPU and CPU are pretty good.

2. I don't know, not done anything yet.

3. Depends. I really like the black one. The red one has become too common. Also if you're purchasing it in the UK, the silver one would be the best.

4. Playable at medium-high settings at stock at 900p screen.

5. I think discussing hackintosh is not allowed in the forums. And really I'd stick with Windows to avoid all the driver hassels that come with installing it.

Enjoy

Edit: Yeah arctic silver 5 is a great paste. I'd also recommend IC Diamond.

 

i will be buying the standard screen, i don't need 900p

btw, is the 2.2GHz i7 processor upgrade make a difference in gaming?

the stock is the 2GHz one

 

You're sure that 1366x768 is enough for you?
Also almost people will say that upgrading the proc will not give you better perfs for the game because the M14x is limited by the GPU so the stock proc is more than enough. I personnaly upgrated to the 2720 to be sure.

 

default screen is not good enough?

 

If you order the m14x through HIDevolution they can apply IC diamond thermal paste for you. But you will have to pay.

 

The default screen is good! But the resolution is small for me and 75$ to swtich from 720p to 900p 1600*900 is worth it!

Yes, it's 25$ for CPU only and 50$ for CPU + GPU, I personnaly ordered from HIDevolution because i'm not from US.

 

i'm in indonesia lol

i think i will apply my own thermal paste. :]

now just some amount of money i have to collect...

i have to be patient, this macbook is killing me